10 Most Common Habits That Damage Your Kidneys

Some of the vital organs in the body include the kidneys, which along with the liver are the main blood detoxifying agents. The kidneys perform several crucial functions such as filtering waste products from the blood, regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body. In other words, your overall health depends on proper kidney function.

Kidney failure is normally the result of accumulation of waste products in the body, which is caused by some common habits. The warning symptoms of kidney disease typically include weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, and confusion. Moreover, if potassium is not removed from the bloodstream as a result of compromised kidney function, it may lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. Initial kidney failure may give no symptoms, though.

Putting a lot of pressure on your kidneys, these 10 common habits can cause serious kidney damage over time.

Lack of water: Insufficient water intake can lead to accumulation of toxins in the body, thus affecting other body functions including the primary kidney function, which is detoxification.

Postponing urination: Urine buildup will not only increase the pressure on your kidneys, but also lead to formation of kidney stones. That’s why restraining from urination can be quite adverse.

Lacking in vitamins and minerals: Getting enough vitamins and minerals through a healthy dietary regime is extremely important for optimal kidney function. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are the most beneficial.

Eating too much sugar: Foods and drinks high in sugar increase the protein content in your urine, which is a sign of kidney malfunction.

Eating too much animal protein: Your entire metabolism is burdened with excessive consumption of red meat, and over time, this abundant protein intake can lead to kidney dysfunction or failure.

Sleep deprivation: Chronic sleep deficiency can cause a number of health issues including kidney malfunction. It is during sleep that the body rebuilds damaged kidney tissue, so getting enough sleep is extremely beneficial for your kidney health.

8. Drinking too much caffeine: Similar to salt, large quantities of caffeine not only increase your blood pressure, but also put a lot of strain on your kidneys, and regular consumption can lead to kidney damage.

Drinking too much alcohol: As with overconsumption of almost anything, alcohol too can have serious consequences upon your kidney and liver health.

Excessive use ofanalgesics: Nowadays painkillers are used to treat almost any kind of pain, and these drugs can cause serious kidney as well as liver damage.